McCarthy River Tours Receives World Luxury Travel Award
A Recognition That Reflects Our Values
At McCarthy River Tours, we are deeply honored to share that we have been recognized as the Top Outfitter in North America by the World Luxury Travel Awards. This award is more than just a symbol of excellence. For us, it is a reflection of the values, hard work, and dedication that have guided this company since we first opened our doors in 2010.
Doing Things Differently from the Start
When we started McCarthy River Tours in the small, remote town of McCarthy, Alaska, our goal was not to win accolades. It was to do things differently. We wanted to raise the standard for what a wilderness adventure could be, not just in terms of excitement and beauty, but also in safety, environmental responsibility, and the depth of guest experience. We believed then, as we do now, that it is possible to create life-changing outdoor adventures that are both personal and professional, wild and welcoming, thrilling yet grounded in care.
A Team Effort Rooted in Passion
This award belongs to our entire team. Every guide, every support staff member, every person who answers a guest’s question or helps launch a raft from shore plays a critical role in the experience we deliver. It is because of their passion, professionalism, and deep love for the Alaskan wilderness that this recognition is even possible.
Gratitude to Our Guests
We also owe this moment to our guests, many of whom have joined us from all over the world to explore the rivers, glaciers, and valleys of Wrangell–St. Elias National Park, the largest protected wilderness area in the United States. We thank you for your trust. You have chosen to explore with us, often traveling far off the beaten path to do so, and we do not take that lightly.
What Sets Us Apart
What sets McCarthy River Tours apart is not only the landscapes we travel through, but how we choose to travel through them. We do not run large group tours. Instead, we focus on smaller group multi-day expeditions and tailored, private day trip experiences. This allows us to provide a more intimate connection with the landscape and ensures our guides can give guests the attention, care, and flexibility that an Alaskan wilderness experience truly deserves.
A Deep Commitment to Safety
Safety has always been a cornerstone of our operation. We were the first rafting company in the region to outfit all guests with drysuits, high-float life jackets, and helmets on all trips, including our half-day outings. All our guides hold Swiftwater Rescue certifications, along with Wilderness First Responder (WFR) and CPR/AED training. We are proud to maintain a rigorous 50-hour guide training program that covers not just technical river skills, but also interpretive knowledge, local ecology, and storytelling. This ensures that every trip is not just a float down a river, but a deeper understanding of the place we call home.
Respect for the Land and Community
We are also proud of our commitment to Leave No Trace ethics and the ongoing work we do to educate guests on respectful travel through remote ecosystems. From the start, we have sourced our food and supplies locally whenever possible, supported community causes, and advocated for the protection of the rivers and lands that sustain us.
Honoring the Rivers That Guide Us
This award, while humbling, reminds us why we started this journey in the first place. The rivers we run, including the Copper, Tana, Nizina, and Chitina, are more than waterways. They are the lifeblood of a vast and largely untouched wilderness. To share these places with others, to help guests experience moments of awe and discovery, and to do so with care and integrity, is a responsibility we never take for granted.
Looking Ahead to New Adventures
As we look ahead, we are excited to continue raising the bar. Whether it is a full-day float trip that ends with a bush plane pick-up from a gravel bar, or a Multi-Day Expedition paddling past calving glaciers and historic rail lines, our mission remains the same: to provide guests with authentic, and safe adventures in one of the wildest corners of the world.
Thank You for Believing in What We Do
We know there are many outfitters and adventure providers out there. It means a great deal to us that our commitment to excellence, sustainability, and personalized service has resonated with the industry and with travelers. Recognition like this is not something we ever expect, but it is something we receive with great gratitude.
To our team: thank you for your relentless dedication, skill, and care. To our guests, past and future: thank you for choosing McCarthy River Tours to be part of your Alaskan journey.
Join Us in the Wilderness
We invite you to explore what we have to offer. Whether you are seeking solitude among the icebergs, the rush of whitewater rapids, or simply a quiet moment in the vastness of the Wrangell Mountains, we are here to guide you.
From all of us at McCarthy River Tours, thank you for helping make this moment possible.